ULAN BATOR (Reuters) - Mongolian President Elbegdorj Saikhanbileg has pardoned an American who was jailed over allegations of tax evasion involving SouthGobi Resources Ltd, the U.S. Embassy in Ulan Bator said in a statement.

Justin Kapla had been released from jail and was free to return to the United States, the embassy said in an emailed statement, citing Kapla's lawyers.